The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

[1][2] It is found in North America from Newfoundland south to Florida west to Alberta.

[3] The larvae feed on various low-growing plants, including Thermopsis rhombifolia and Plantago species.

[4] The species overwinters in the larval stage.

[5] This species was formerly a member of the genus Grammia, but was moved to Apantesis along with the other species of the genera Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia.